(Bradley, Mich.) – Today, the Gun Lake Tribe (Tribe) announced that its Gun Lake Casino (Casino) has been recognized by the Grand Rapids Business Journal as the 2017 “Newsmaker of the Year,” in Arts & Entertainment.  The Casino’s recently opened $76 million expansion is the catalyst for the award. 

“We thank the Business Journal for recognizing the Gun Lake Casino expansion as a noteworthy event in West Michigan,” said Scott Sprague, Chairman of the Tribe.  “This award is possible because we value great guest service, offering excellent career opportunities to our team members, and sharing revenue with the local community.”

This year, the Business Journal staff nominated 48 finalists in 16 different categories.  Each category’s three finalists were invited to the 2017 Newsmakers of the Year breakfast held today at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.  The winners accepted the awards and offered remarks before 600 business professionals.

Tribal Chairman Scott Sprague accepted the award on behalf of the Tribal Council, casino management staff and over 1,000 valued team members.  

The Casino expansion opened in May 2017 to nearly double square footage and increase electronic gaming machines.  Other expansion amenities include the 300-seat Harvest Buffet, the new Stage 131 entertainment lounge, a high limit gaming room, and the Chill bar. 

The Business Journal noted that the Tribe has shared over $100 million with state and local governments over 14 separate distributions.  The fall 2017 revenue sharing distribution saw an increase of 24% due to the expanded number of electronic gaming machines.

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About Gun Lake Tribe

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe) has a rich history in West Michigan and a close connection to the land.  The Bradley Indian Mission, located near Wayland, is the historic residential and cultural center point of the tribal community.  The Tribe’s ancestors, and political predecessors, signed treaties with the United States government dating back to 1795.  The Tribe was re-affirmed to federal recognition in 1999.  For more information about the Tribe visit https://gunlaketribe-nsn.gov/

About Gun Lake Casino

Gun Lake Casino is located off Exit 61 on U.S. 131, halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.  The casino features over 2,000 slot machines, 47 table games, a high-limit room, a 225-seat café, and a 300-seat buffet, along with bars, lounges, and live entertainment. 

Gun Lake Casino is owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians and is operated by the Tribe’s management partner, MPM Enterprises, LLC, owned by an affiliate of Station Casinos LLC and private investors from Michigan. For more information, visit www.gunlakecasino.com.